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Rattlesnake

Topic Overview

Rattlesnakes are the most widely known of the pit
vipers (family Viperidae). They are found throughout the United States and
parts of Canada and account for most poisonous (venomous) snakebites in North
America. They leave one, two, or three puncture marks on the skin, but you
won't always see any marks.

Rattlesnakes can be up to
8 ft (2.5 m) long and
have:

Rattles at the end of the tail. Young snakes may
only have one rattle or "button," which does not make the rattle
sound.

Diamond-shaped markings, blotches, or speckles down the
back.

Pitlike depressions behind the nostrils.

A
triangular head with slit-shaped pupils and fangs.

A single row of
plates or scales on the undersurface of the snake, including the tail.

Symptoms of a rattlesnake bite usually appear from minutes to
hours after a bite and can include:

Severe, immediate pain with rapid
swelling.

Bruising of the skin.

Trouble
breathing.

Changes in heart rate or rhythm.

A metallic,
rubbery, or minty taste in the mouth.

Numbness or tingling around
the mouth, tongue, scalp, feet, or the bite area.

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